1 Mordecai heard the bad news. He tore his clothes, put on sad rough clothes and dust, went to the city, and cried very loud. 2 He came to the king’s gate but could not go in, because he had sad clothes on. 3 In many lands, the Jews were very sad. They cried and did not eat. Many sat in dust and wore sad clothes. 4 Esther’s helpers told her. Esther was very upset. She sent clean clothes for Mordecai, but he would not take them. ❌ 5 Esther called Hatach, the king’s helper for her. She said, Go ask Mordecai what is wrong and why. ♂️❓ 6 Hatach went to Mordecai at the big open place by the king’s gate. ️♂️ 7 Mordecai told Hatach the bad plan. Haman wanted to hurt the Jews and pay money to do it. 8 Mordecai gave Hatach a copy of the king’s paper rule. He said, Show this to Esther and tell her to ask the king to help her people. 9 Hatach went back and told Esther what Mordecai said. ️ 10 Esther told Hatach a message for Mordecai. 11 Esther said, Everyone knows the rule: if a man or woman goes in to the king and he did not call, that person must die. Only if the king lifts the gold stick can the person live. The king has not called me for 30 days. ❌⏳ 12 The helpers told Mordecai what Esther said. ️➡️ 13 Mordecai said back, Do not think you are safe in the king’s house. You are a Jew too. ⚠️ 14 Mordecai said, If you say nothing now, help may come from somewhere else, but you and your family may die. Maybe you are queen now for this time. ⏰ 15 Then Esther sent a new word to Mordecai. 16 Esther said, Get all the Jews in the city Susa. Do not eat or drink for 3 days, day and night. My girls and I will not eat too. Then I will go to the king, even if it breaks the rule. If I die, I die. ⏳3️⃣ 17 Mordecai went and did all that Esther said. ✅